Three picks into the night, it was the West Coast Eagles who brought the Moama key forward on board with the 30th overall selection of the 2024 draft.
“He had a wonderful year in my view,” said AFL talent ambassador Kevin Sheehan on Fox Sports draft coverage.
“One of the best contested marks we’ve got in the draft.
“195cm, I think there’s still a couple of centimetres growth in him, he’s got that body type that I reckon will grow a wee bit more.
“The improvement is enormous from boys from the bush.
“When you’re at Moama, coming down to Bendigo, might only be down there once a week or so, so there will be tremendous football development in him in his next 12 months.”
Fox Footy draft analyst Michael Abblett labelled Shanahan an “absolute steal” after his selection was confirmed at number 30.
Widely expected to be selected late in the top 20, it was one of the surprises of night one to see the Moama star unselected in the first round.
Shanahan now joins a host of regional prospects to head west, linking up with last year’s number one selection Harley Reid and 2022 draftee Echuca junior Noah Long at the Eagles.
Shortly after Shanahan’s selection, James Barrat of Leitchville-Gunbower Football Club was taken with the 33rd overall pick by St Kilda.
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